Using Fintech to strengthen the economy in support of Vision 2030
By Alanoud AlDhumairy, Senior Change Management Specialist at Red Sea Global (RSG)
Last year, The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fintech Saudi, a Financial Sector Development Program launched by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) and Capital Market Authority (CMA). The initiative acts as a catalyst for developing fintech services in Saudi Arabia and transforming the Kingdom into a global Fintech hub.
Keeping pace
The smartphone boom in 2007 significantly changed the way we engage with and consume information. To keep pace with these technological innovations, financial services had to adapt, which in turn, accelerated the growth of fintech services in Saudi Arabia.
There are currently 70 Fintech companies in the Kingdom, ranging from payments, lending, fintech innovation, private fund raising and insurance capital markets. As an example, STC Pay, a digital payment system, became the first Fintech unicorn in the Middle East and we expect to see many more in the near future.
Cashless society
Digital growth and adoption have accelerated significantly worldwide as societies and businesses adapt to the challenges of living in a pandemic. We have observed a sharp increase in fintech services as these challenges have forced people to look for cashless solutions.
As the world moves to a cashless society, it is only natural for our destination to collaborate with Fintech Saudi to implement these services. Our partnership will allow us to build the most advanced financial services to benefit various stakeholders, including our operators, business owners, future visitors, and residences. In fact, we are exploring how to integrate these solutions into the mobile ecosystem given that individuals interact and use financial apps more than physical stores.
Automation and digital solutions
As AI and machine learning improve, automation will become increasingly important to all industries. At TRSDC, we are continuing to integrate the latest automated solutions to improve efficiency, costs, and reduce human error. Moreover, we are exploring the move from physical branch-based banking to a fully digital version with the help of Fintech Saudi and SAMA.
Our aim is to have a suite of digital solutions ranging from our very own virtual bank to a destination specific E-wallet for staff and visitors. Through leveraging the excellent expertise from Fintech Saudi and our financial sector, we hope to lead the Kingdom towards a digitally based and cashless society, establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global fintech hub.
About Red Sea Global
Red Sea Global (RSG - www.redseaglobal.com) is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. It is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025. A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, will open this year, and RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal. RSG is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.
RSG is the visionary company behind some of the world’s most ambitious
development ventures, including luxury regenerative tourism destinations
such as The Red Sea and AMAALA.
Across its portfolio, RSG leverages the most innovative concepts,
strategies, and technologies to deliver projects that actively enhance
the wellbeing of customers, communities, and environments.
